Did you like “know it all’s” in school? You know that kid that always had the answer and was a little “too much”? Not many people liked them. And that’s valid. This is not a post about know-it-all’s However, now that we’re older I’m a fan of a “do it all”. To me that means a piece in my closet that can do it all. Lounge. Work. Outings. Even if they’re too much, or just the right amount of enough, if something can take me from bed throughout my day, in every conceivable situation, I want it!
Especially at a time like this, I’m looking for pieces that are comfy from bed to online meetings to my virtual social times, and even to the grocery store.
This dress? This dress is a do it all. From sleeping (yes, naps count!) to errands to everything in between, this dress is perfect. It feels pulled together and yet comfy. At this time, my outtings in this dress have been limited to errands and hot spots in my house (let me recommend a virtual happy hour, they’re the best!), but when we are out and about again, I’m confident that this dress will go great with heels and all the events! The best part? It’s under $50!
I’ve linked this exact dress and look here:
(Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
And now that you know I’m a fan of do it all’s, and we know I’m a fan of PJ dressing, I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you about Sleeper. They make fantastic nightgowns, that double as dresses. In fact, they look a lot like the above dress! They’re perfect for lounging and look great on the town. I’ve linked some of my favorite for you:
Lounge. Do all the things in your house. All the things online. And later, you can do all the things outside your house. Do it all!
While this is a collab with Basic Invite, all opinions below are my own!xo RA
Loves, a lot has changed in the past few weeks. For now, the best way for us to be together is to be apart; however, there’s a way to touch each other through the distance. Mail. A handwritten note. A mailed announcement. A party (even a virtual one) invitation. My grandma was a big believer in the handwritten word, I got a letter or card EVERY day when I was in college, and when I think about it, it still touches me.
Right now, the best way I can think of for us to touch each each is a note. To share big news? One of my favorite ways is to use Basic Invite. From custom stationary to photo cards to wedding and graduation cards, Basic Invite is one of the few websites to allow unlimited color options, with instant online previews. There are over 180 colors to choose from, and the site is so easy to use you can ensure that you’ll get the perfect stationary for your needs! (And if you want it, Basic Invite allows you to order a printed sample before you complete your final order!)
There are so many occasions to celebrate and so many cards with which to send love, but I wanted to showcase the stunning Graduation collection. This is normally the time to send out your graduation announcements and start planning parties. Due to our ununusual times, I know that many of these celebrations are delayed, changing to virtual, or on-hold. However, I still believe it’s important to acknowledge the accomplishments of those you love, and this collection from Basic Invite is a great way to keep your loved ones informed!
Announcing your big graduation? Inviting people to celebrate your accomplishments? Basic Invite has 100’s of templates to share your news and celebrate with your loved ones. Use your picture or use of their designs, and make the custom Graduation Invitation your hard work deserves.
Inviting people to a virtual or real-life party? Use one of Basic Invite’s party invitation templates to let your loved ones know when and where to celebrate you!
Don’t forget to send a thank you! Use Basic Invite to customize the perfect thank-you for all your graduation presents!
Of course, there are also 100s of Wedding, Baby, Event, Business Cards, and more stationary templates for all of your needs at Basic Invite.
More things I love? You can choose from 40 colors to match the envelope to your invitation, this also includes 3 foil color options (both flat and raised), making sure that your stationary stands out. Basic Invite also provides social media links for you to request your loved ones addresses, stores the addresses, and prints the addresses on the envelopes free of charge! All you have to do is send out the mail.
At times like these, even when we’re apart, it’s important to be together. My favorite way to stay in touch is the mail, and I hope that you love Basic Invite for all of your needs, Graduation, and beyond to send your love. Use code 15FF51 for 15%off!
Send your loved ones your Graduation Invites, Your Wedding Announcements, and all your love with Basic Invite! And don’t forget your discount with code 15FF51!
Xo RA
I planned this outfit before the “Stay at Home” order started. I was supposed to shoot it in a different local. We were going to chat about how much I love suiting, creative work wear, and styling yourself after editorial pictures.
A lot has changed.
I know most of us are no longer heading out to work, workwear is now whatever top looks best in Zoom, and most of editorial inspiration is lounge wear. I’m a fan of us staying in (let’s flatten the curve!) and we all know my soft spots for lounge wear of all kinds. I almost scraped this look and post.
But. I went ahead and put it on. And loves, I felt powerful. It was a little more than the feelings I shared last week about how getting dressed and using fashion made me feel. This was power. There is so much right now that feels big, and scary, and out of control. We can only do our part, yes, but this suit? It reminded me that I do have power. And it felt good.
Maybe you’re not putting on suits right now. I can tell you tying a scarf like this across your top is chic and will make a statement on all your online meetings. That now, or later, using your shoe buckles, ties, or the like over your pants made these basic black pants feel brand new. That even though these pieces were things I have had for years, I suddenly felt like I was a boss in some editorial picture. That anything you wear that reminds you of how amazingly powerful you are is a great choice.
This is not a post to convince you to forgo your lounge wear. Most of the time, I’m in mine too. However, if there are times when you are feeling overwhelmed or sad or angry or powerless, or any of the feelings that are coming up right now, remember that we are power. And don’t be afraid to dress like it.
Xo RA
Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
I started the Sunday Chronicles section of the blog so that there was a space where we, as a community, could share and grow things that weren’t directly related to fashion. Now, that the world is a bit tipsy turvy, I wanted to open up this space as a place where we can connect, share our feelings, and get through this together. Last week I asked how you are doing. This week, I’m asking what coping mechanisms are getting you through this time. Share, and I can share with the group. Or email me (racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com). Tell me what’s going on. I’m thinking of you and wishing us all a week of comfort and amazing shoes.
We’ve talked dressing gowns and pjs. And each time I’ve wondered: what are you wearing right now? As someone who normally works from home I can say this isn’t “business as usual”. And I can truthfully say that there have been days when I’ve just stayed in my pjs. But.
Last weekend I participated in two “challenges” with online friends. #formalfriday and #fashionbutmakeitdistance, both being an excuse to really get dressed, even for just a few minutes. And loves, it felt good. I’ve said that fashion is both a stress reliever and fun for me, and I meant it. When I’m sad I’m known to go put on amazing shoes, or plan outfits that I may never wear. It makes me happy. At the beginning of this week, I was a little down. It’s odd, I’m not worried about the blog (though let’s be honest, we’re all worried about work and money), but it felt so sad and I was worried about the people I love. What made me feel better? A walk where I planned outfits in my head. And I realized that there is a lot I can’t control right now, a lot that we all have to play by ear, a lot that’s wait and see. One of the things I can control? My fashion.
Yes, there are days when it feels good to stay in pjs. And there are days when it feels good to get dressed. I made a little promise to myself to get dressed this week, to play in my closet, to see where it takes me. Even if I only am dressed for a pic, even if it’s just a nice shirt with leggings, even if it’s just fancy pjs. Fashion makes me happy, and I can choose to be happy!
This is what I wore this week (you can catch today’s OOTD over on Instagram!)
Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
Monday
Jeans. Yes, putting on jeans felt like a big win. And yes, I spent more than a few minutes debating what shirt to wear (this is vintage Albert Nippon and I love the neck and the sleeves). Did I get a lot done? Yes. I also felt in charge, which was a nice change! These jeans are Madewell and I’m loving the fit!
Shop this look: here
Tuesday
Leggings. But many looks. I shot a few videos, putting on a fancy top for each. I did chores and writing in a tank top as a top. And sports bra for barre and dance class. But my fave? This JAWS shirt. It always makes me feel like summer, the shirt has pockets!
Shop this look here
Wednesday
I’ll be honest, loves, I almost didn’t participate in getting dressed today. Not that I didn’t get dressed, it was that I changed too much! We were getting our “stay at home” order on Wednesday night, so I needed to shoot a few places (more than one change), workouts (more than one change), and by the time I got home I wanted to put on sweats. But I had on makeup. And my hair was done. And we were having a “fancy” dinner. So I put on a dress. I’m glad I did, it made me feel good and made the day feel a bit brighter, rather than long!
Shop this look here
Thursday
Today was an all over the place day! Workouts, grocery store run for my family and a neighbor, then taking over what I bought, etc. Yes, this is an exercise skirt, but I think the top makes it fashion. It made an errand more fun!
Shop the look here
What I learned from getting dressed all week? What I wear affects my moods. Fashion brings me joy, and joy can be an act of resistance. I somehow don’t mind changing a few times a day (I always have been this way), and picking out even casual things that make me feel good helped to ground me. Does this mean I’ll get dressed every day? Probably not, there are days I’m sure I’ll stay in sweats or pjs or my workout clothes. But this was a nice reminder the power that fashion has, and what fun it can be! Times are a little crazy, I know there are days when I feel like we’re going to be ok, and then days when I’m so anxious/scared/sad. And many days when I’m all of the above. For me, these outfits were a way to ground myself, to have some joy, and to connect. As much as I can, I’ll be using fashion for that!
Curious about what I’m wearing today? Check out my Instagram (@racheladelicia)! I would love to know: what did you wear this week?
Xo RA
If I truly believe (and I do) that our clothes tell a story, what do I think about nails?
I went to college with someone who’s dad sent her weekly money for her manicures, as he thought you could always tell a lady by her nails.
In the epic “Gone With The Wind”, there’s more than one reference to how a woman’s hand should look (soft and kept) and how they shouldn’t look (like she’s been working in a field).
Do our nails tell a story?
I think so. From color (I went through a phase where I would joke with my manicurist that I always got black as it matched my soul. It was after a bad breakup) to design (I’m partial to more graphics but I have a girlfriend who does hearts and they are always adorable!), our nails can tell a story. There was a time when I was religious about getting my nails done every two weeks. Then I got out of the habit, and went to just painting my nails solid colors at home. Recently, I had begun to miss some of the designs, and stumbled across gel strips (essentially stickers for your nails) that come in a ton of different colors and designs.
I love them as they are quick, last about 14 days, and I don’t have to go to the salon. And now, when so many of us are home, unable or unwilling to venture out, they’re perfect:
Do you love nail art? Still to colors? Have a favorite nail salon? Tell me all about it!
Note: this post does contain affiliate links, while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
I’ve always been a fan of pj dressing. And never been afraid to wear my pjs out:
In every post on pj dressing, I emphasize how you can wear “inside” clothes as “outside” clothes. And I stand by those stylings. However, at this point, we may just want pjs to wear inside. Even in bed, lounging, etc, it can feel good to feel “pulled together” or chic, even if you’re in your pjs. Maybe I should have just told you that pjs are a great thing to invest in, and that the right ones can make you feel amazing? I stand by that, too.
What are your go to pjs? When it’s cold, I love to wear sweats, or flannel pjs. One of the most luxe pjs I have are a silk set that are flannel lined. They’re gorgeous and make me feel like a star. We know I have a thing for dressing gowns, I also have a thing for nightgowns. Silk. Cotton. Simple, a bit sexy. I love them all. And yes, during this time I may have been known to put a slip on under a kimono and call it a day.
I’ll also be honest there are days when my pjs are yoga pants and a shirt.
All pjs are amazing, and at times like this, when we might be spending a lot of time in our pjs, maybe they’re something to invest in.
I’m really curious: what pjs are you into? No matter what they look like, I hope in them you’re staying healthy, and taking care of yourself (that means mentally, too!)
I’ve linked some of the pjs sets I’m loving right now below!
Xo RA
Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!
Most of us are about a week into working from home, maybe for the first time. I do a lot of work from home already, but even I will admit that this is a bit different. (That being said, it’s important! If you are able, please stay home! If you have a job that you have to go to, thank you for showing up for all of us. Let’s all be kind and wash our hands!) Even when I’ve worked from home, there have been appointments and places to be. Now, for the most part, I might be able to get away with wearing almost anything.
So, what should we do? Wear yoga pants all day? Get dressed?
I’m attempting to balance it. At least once a week I’m getting dressed, it makes me feel better (and outfits are a source of stress relief and fun for me!). I’m also being ok with the reality that there will be days when I stay in sweats or yoga pants.
And I’m leaning into vintage dressing gowns. They’re the best of both worlds-lounge friendly and they make you feel glamorous.
I’ve always loved a great robe, I’m a big fan of PJ dressing, and a dressing gown is a must have in my book! All of my dressing gowns are vintage, and what makes a vintage one so special is just how gorgeous they are. Yes, you can get a great modern robe. In the past they essentially made gowns to wear around the home, and they are perfect for the moment. You can find any from the velvet and silk ones above to quilted ones, long sleeved, tea length, there’s a dressing gown for any style.
I’m wearing my black one with a black silk turban, and my white one all alone. They’ve been complemented on virtual meetings, and I’ve slept in them. For my kimonos, I’ve worn them over everything, and used a belt to wear them alone. There’s no wrong way to wear a dressing gown, and every reason to invest in one (being glam at home will never go out of style!).
I’ve linked some of my favorite dressing gowns here (yes, that is an affiliate link. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. I really appreciate your support. That being said, it’s a great time to shop online at your local vintage store- they need your support too!)
I would love to know: what are you wearing while you’re at home?
Be kind. Wash your hands. Thank you for being here!
Xo RA
My loves! In 4 years we’ve gone from this:
To this:
There have been a few lows, so many highs, and a few times I’ve fought with technology. In some ways, this blog birthday feels a little surreal. I still see so much room for growth, so much I want to say, so much to share. The entire world is being affected by a virus and every day lives are interrupted, and everything from what to post to the future seems up in the air. I try to be as honest as I always can be, and when I don’t have the answers I like to say so, this is a time when I really don’t have the answers. When thinking about how to mark this anniversary, I thought about skipping it. I want to be a respite for your time, but don’t want to be insensitive. As I was thinking through all of that, I kept coming back to what’s important to me here at Investment Piece, and what I hope we offer you.
Stories
I’m so passionate about our stories. And that fashion is a means by which we tell stories. While writing this, I’ve changed 3 times and have told 5 stories. I want to continue to tell my stories, your stories, and hold space for other women’s stories. And if we all need to change a bunch of times in that space, so be it. 🙂
Fashion Inspiration
Since I was 2 I’ve been good at putting together outfits. I love it. And yes, I love to be a bit daring at times. But, what I hope I provide is an encouragement to dress in ways that make you happy. Copy my outfits! Take those ideas and run with your own! Fashion is both art and freedom, let’s embrace both ends of that, together.
Support Other Women
We need each other. And women are amazing.
All of this comes in different ways: our series, styling, shopping, and support. Each year, as I reflect on the blog’s journey and where I want to go, I become more and more clear on how these things fit into what we do here. I have no clue what’s coming, how the virus will affect business and fashion and us. There will be days when I’m unsure what to post, say, or do, I’m sure. Whatever happens, I hope I can come back to these things, that these core beliefs can guide us through. I’m so grateful you’re here, that we can manage this together. Here’s to many more blog birthdays!
Of course- any thoughts, series, stories you would like to see more of, please reach out at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com.
